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Overall, the ride and drive behind the wheel of the 2017 Hyundai Ioniq is an excellent experience with minimal noise and vibration. The handling and durability of the Ioniq will make you feel safe and secure and even better you ... more >

There are many things Hyundai is touting about its just released Ioniq. For example, it is the world’s first dedicated vehicle platform with three electrified low-and zero-emission power train choices. That’s almost too good to be true, but someone had to do it. Then of course, the Ioniq is also going to be, according to the Hyundai folks, the most fuel-efficient vehicle on the market. In fact, the Ioniq Electric (which for now is only going to be sold in California) is even being hyped as the most efficient electric vehicle in the U.S. market.

The Ioniq Hybrid went on sale this month, the plug-in Hybrid will be introduced later this year and the electric will go on sale in California in April.

For folks who are serious about the notion of good clean driving, the Ioniq Hybrid is certainly going to be worth a look. The competition in this green hybrid market includes the Kia Niro, Ford C-Max and the Toyota Prius. For the electric and hybrid plug-in versions other competitors include the Nissan Leaf and the Chevy Bolt and Volt.

Hyundai folks are saying the market for the Ioniq is the millennial set. Indeed, the millennial group is changing the conversation in the U.S. since there are more folks than ever moving to urban areas. With this urban migration also come car owners with different needs such as smaller vehicles and greater fuel efficiency and it seems the Ioniq fits this scenario.

Overall, the Hyundai Ioniq is an important milestone in Hyundai’s global sustainability strategy.

“Ioniq will attract an entirely new group of eco- and efficiency-oriented buyers in the U.S. market,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president of Corporate and Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “With outstanding power train flexibility, design, connectivity, and advanced technologies, Ioniq meets the needs of a large and growing group of buyers needing a highly efficient, enjoyable to drive, low-emissions vehicle without compromise to their daily lifestyles.”

Focusing on the 2017 Hyundai Hybrid, you can choose from the Blue, SEL or Limited all with front wheel drive.

The driving experience inside the Ioniq offers an enhanced state-of-the art connectivity like Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto® and Blue Link®, as well as wireless charging for smartphones. Even more, the 7-inch TFT instrument cluster displays all key driver information with outstanding resolution.

Under the hood, the hybrid offers a 1.6 GDI, four-cylinder engine. This engine delivers roughly 104 horsepower with 109 pound feet of torque. It has also been specifically tailored to the hybrid application and is combined with a quick-shifting six-speed double-clutch transmission. The Ioniq Hybrid’s electric motor delivers an estimated 43 horsepower with an estimated maximum of 125 pound feet of torque powered by a lithium-ion polymer battery with 1.56 k Wh capacity. The battery is located under the rear passenger seats.

Take note too, the Ioniq Hybrid Blue model has an EPA-estimated 58 miles per gallon combined rating. Hyundai reports this is the highest rating of any non-plug-in vehicle sold in the U.S. market.

The safety features on the Ioniq include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, which sounds an alarm as the car moves over lane lines if the driver did not signal for an intended lane change, blind spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert. There is also traction control, hill start assist control, a rearview camera, rear parking sensors and a tire pressure monitoring system, which helps ensure each individual tire is properly inflated. A total of seven airbags, including a knee airbag for the driver, help protect the vehicle’s occupants in the event of a collision. Body structure improvements, complemented by a high-strength fiber-reinforced rear bumper fascia make the entire Ioniq line-up strong and durable in the event of a crash.

Ioniq models offer a sleek, aerodynamic silhouette with an industry-leading 0.24 Cd derived from carefully designed surfaces. Its fluid exterior shape and smooth air flow channels emphasize aerodynamic body lines and design form. The words that come to mind include progressive with an aerodynamic profile and overall integrated look.

Take note of the air conditioning offering a refreshing interior climate without using unnecessary amounts of energy. Also, the Ioniq climate control can be switched to an efficient operation mode. Recirculated air is maximized when air-conditioning or heating, reducing ventilation losses and increasing the overall efficiency of the system.

The cargo space is 26.5 cubic feet and there is plenty of room for driver and passengers in the front and back seat promising a comfortable ride.

Overall, the ride and drive behind the wheel of the 2017 Hyundai Ioniq is an excellent experience with minimal noise and vibration. The handling and durability of the Ioniq will make you feel safe and secure and even better you know you will be doing your part for the planet.

Should You Need to Know: The 2017 Hyundai Ioniq is offering a lifetime battery warranty, but that only applies to the first-time buyer and does not transfer to the second owner.

Miles Per Gallon: The 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid I drove came in at 55 miles per gallon in the city and 54 miles per gallon on the highway.

Cost: The 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Limited I drove was priced at $31,460 with the addition of the Ultimate Package.